What makes Caroline special?

[BBallF]

1) She can finish with both hands
2) She has every shot, 3 ball, pull up J, scoop, etc.
3) She never stops moving with intention to get free, endurance is unreal
4) Learned how to play the old way, back doors, change of direction, inside cuts
5) Is an incredibly smart basketball player

She starts tomorrow, she starts the rest of the season, she starts the rest of her career. 18.5 points and 4.75 boards for a freshman since she first started. C'mon!

 

[BBallF]

I forgot 2 more
6) Shooter's amnesia
7) Nothing fazes her, she's all business

 

[Mdoggie]

That's only because Paige knows where the ball is going to be before almost any of the other 9 players on the floor.

Not true or at least you can’t prove it. Good grief.

 

[Mdoggie]

1) She can finish with both hands
2) She has every shot, 3 ball, pull up J, scoop, etc.
3) She never stops moving with intention to get free, endurance is unreal
4) Learned how to play the old way, back doors, change of direction, inside cuts
5) Is an incredibly smart basketball player

She starts tomorrow, she starts the rest of the season, she starts the rest of her career. 18.5 points and 4.75 boards for a freshman since she first started. C'mon!

@BBallF you are smart.

 

[BostonBay]

She has Freshman of the Year wrapped up.

 

[Purchase1]

She has Freshman of the Year wrapped up.

Nah it’s still Morrow’s from DePaul to lose

 

[hookshot]

I forgot 2 more
6) Shooter's amnesia
7) Nothing fazes her, she's all business

You forgot one more, uses the whole court, e.g. cruises the baseline (in addition to just hanging out on the perimeter and making cuts, like most others)

 

[Monte]

When, and if, a full and healthy squad comes back to play at a later date:
there should be 4 other players and CAROLINE starting.

 

[BBallF]

You forgot one more, uses the whole court, e.g. cruises the baseline (in addition to just hanging out on the perimeter and making cuts, like most others)

Totally agree. She is very dangerous when she does that especially when she has a height advantage.

 

[Hoops66]

My guess is that if she reads all these (true) statements about her, that she wouldn't let it go to her head. And when the team is at full strength she won't care if her stats go down, as long as she contributes to a win.

 

[eebmg]

The original thread where @SVCBeercats posted this video has disappeared but the video shows so clearly why Caroline is so special and successful,




Here she takes both the 1-1 and 3pt contests over a slew of top players.

To see how her UConn teammates must have felt about Caroline during summer session, go to the 3:00 mark where she dispatches a player (not sure who) in 1 -1 and leaves the court in disbelief.

And everyone knew she would take the 3pt contest, (see 1:45)

 

[HuskyNan]

I posted this article on Caroline from Boston over the summer but thought this might be a good thread for a redux.

 

[msf22b]

One hears (from time to time) that she's not a great athlete
What does that mean?
Foot speed? leaping ability? flexibility? All of the above?

They said that about DeBusschere and Bird, the former whom she most resembles.
Interesting that there is French somewhere in their mutual backgrounds.

How do you make up for that?
Intelligence, competitiveness, mastery of what you can do, stamina, determination
creativity.

It helps to be big and strong.

That's our Caroline.

 

[darkstar1]

she reminds me so much of john havlicek: steady, clutch, reserved, always moving.

The qualities you note, remind me most of Pheesa. One of my favorite players.

 

[JoePgh]

I was driving on I-84 westbound near Hartford this afternoon, and I saw an electronic billboard promoting UConn basketball (men and women). There was a picture of a male player whom I didn't recognize (only got a quick glance while driving), but the photo for the women's team was of Caroline (unmistakable).

I guess, as long as Paige is not playing, Caroline is now the marketing face of UConn women's basketball.

 

[NU2BY]

@JoePgh - Do you have a problem with that?

 

[freekimchee]

 

[CONN78SEJ]

One of the few positives coming out of this challenging season is the play of Caroline D.
The minutes she is playing, would never have materialized without the injuries. Other than Paige last year, she has been one of the most impressive freshman we have had in awhile.
It's often said that she moves well without the ball. I think it's more than that.
Her hands are excellent, when she posts down low, even if she is covered, she catches the ball and puts the ball in the basket, more often than not.
Also, she can make baskets while she is moving...this is not common. Coming off screens, driving to the basket, pulling up....she doesn't have to be set to score......this is really a skill most don't have ( Paige exception)
With an improvement in her "handle", this player has a really high ceiling.

Her footwork for a big player might be the best I’ve ever seen.

 

[Skeets]

I was driving on I-84 westbound near Hartford this afternoon, and I saw an electronic billboard promoting UConn basketball (men and women). There was a picture of a male player whom I didn't recognize (only got a quick glance while driving), but the photo for the women's team was of Caroline (unmistakable).

I guess, as long as Paige is not playing, Caroline is now the marketing face of UConn women's basketball.

I wish a whole career of NILs for her.

 

[Ouremblem]

It’s the all-roundness of her game that is so impressive. She rebounds, blocks shots, isn’t afraid to go inside, passes well, dribbles the ball upcourt when necessary, and her spin move near the basket is lethal. I think on her deep 3’s she needs a little more space than she’s been getting. She’s rushing her deep shots a little. When Paige returns she’ll get the ball more frequently when she’s open. Azzi gave us a preview of her game last night. It’s really going to be fun when Paige returns.

 

[eebmg]

Just a question? I know Morrow is so impressive she will lock up all Big East awards but I would be curious about how she would be looked on for National Awards I think NFOY is in the bag but would she be a first team AA? 2nd team?

And the reason I put this in the Caroline thread is to get opinions on whether Caroline if she continues her level of play may sneak (Perfect word for Caroline) into AA consideration (3rd team or even higher). A high quality game against TN would certainly help.

I think the Buzz of the DePaul game winner may push her into the national spotlight somewhat similar to Paige and TN last year

I really do not have a great understanding of the current landscape of players from other teams

 

[Tonyc]

Caroline finishes around the basket thats something many dont do. She doesnt think about her shot, she creates and finds a way to score. With Azzi back Caroline wont be forced to shoot quickly. She will be able to develop poise. When Paige comes back she will be even better. Just luv it when things get tight she wants to ball and knows how to score. She Makes It Happen.

 

[Waquoit]

Caroline finishes around the basket thats something many dont do. She doesnt think about her shot, she creates and finds a way to score.

She's a baller. Not the same player but she has a Taurasi mindset.

 

[eebmg]

She's a baller. Not the same player but she has a Taurasi mindset.

In one of her recruiting interviews, she mentioned she admires Diana.

 

[Fossil]

The question was what makes Caroline special. I think nature makes Caroline special she’s a natural if she had gone straight up with a regular layup Morrow with a block that but no she steps back and goes glass maybe she’s a throwback but she appears to be all of the things everyone has said and it all seems so natural. So much fun to watch

 

[AzzisBraids]

Her movement without the ball is the best on this team. She does not stop moving and will find a way to find the ball and find a way to put it in the basket. She does not miss many open lay ups and her pull-up is really nice.

 

[Zarathustra]

Can't get enough of this ( highlight)!

 

[Majic Hands]

I've noted that many of the posts refer to Caroline's constantly moving.

I would like to add that. Yes Caroline is in constant motion but her movement is with purpose. She is not running around because someone said to. It seems to me that her initial movement is to present herself to receive a pass to score or to allow a pressured ball handler to recover and reset.

If Caroline doesn't get a pass or handoff she continues to outside of the 3 point line at what point she will turn and repeat her cut or move around the line then cut across from a different angle, again making herself available for a pass.

I'm not real sure but I think that she also diverts her movement to set a screen, pick, or slow a defender whenever she sees a play developing.

I'm seeing Caroline as a very intelligent player. That also has the physical ability to create what she sees in her head.

I've also noted the comparison of other players even including Larry Bird. I can see what these BYers see. However the player I see the most similarities to how they play the game is Sabrina Ionescu.

Just my 5¢ openion.

 

[TeamFirst!]

I wish a whole career of NILs for her.

She's got an agent. Should be time soon for a signing. She'd be a good value. She doesn't have the social media presence of Paige or Azzi though, which is a big factor. We should follow her.